Top 10 things to do on a rainy day in South West Australia

Winter’s set in, summer clothes are packed away, and the winter woollies are being pulled out of cupboards along with Ugg boots and slippers.

Yep, it’s officially winter in South West Australia, a season of biting cold mornings, green pastures, and seas that turn from summer cobalt blue to the colour of tarmac, and when the skies turn grey we’re often left wondering about things to do on a rainy day.

So what could you do on a cold and inclement weekend?

Well you might grab the latest season of Game of Thrones or Mad Men and snuggle up under the duvet with a hot mug of chocolate (or glass of wine in my case) and say bugger to odd jobs and housework, while on the other hand you could throw on a warm jacket and get yourself up and out and about.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 things that I’d recommend instead of hibernating.

Have lunch at Wise Wines, where there’s a lovely wood fire in the restaurant.

Go out for a long lazy lunch. Tip: Wise Wines near Yallingup, or Voyager Estate just outside Margaret River have lovely log fires in their restaurants.

Vasse Virgin, the olive oil factory where there are a multitude of fragrant products.

After that perhaps visit Vasse Virgin, the natural olive oil factory just off Pusey Road in the Margaret River region where you can sniff, rub, taste and while away a happy couple of hours with fragrant soaps, hand lotions, olives and dips. Yummmm.

If you have time, go to the Chocolate Factory just off Wildwood Road – the kids (and grown up kids) will particularly love the bowls of free chocolate testers at the entrance.

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery for a cultural experience. It’s in the very pink former convent on Wittenoom Street.

Drive through the Ferguson Valley because the fields will be emerald green during winter, and you’ll think you could be in Ireland! Stop at any number of places to taste wine, have lunch at a Brewery such as the Wild Bull, and visit the lovely Lyndendale Gallery on Crooked Brooke Road where you’ll find gifts to buy and local art to oggle.

Visit the caves around Margaret River. How about Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave or Ngilgi for starters. You’ll also find restaurants and gift shops at some to further while away a pleasurable hour or two.

Historical interest

If you’re into social history you could visit historical King Cottage on Forrest Avenue in Bunbury. The artefacts displayed are part of a collection reflecting the way of life for a family in Bunbury during the period 1880’s to 1920’s.

Likewise you might be interested in visiting Wonnerup House near Busselton – one of the area’s earliest homesteads, which today is surrounded by tuart forest and working farms.

If you’re into decadence and the weather is truly lousy, then book a night at the lovelyCape Lodge (above) or Windmills Break (below) both near Yallingup in the Margaret River Region … and you won’t even know it’s raining.

For more things to do why not check out Jill Harrison’s wonderful blog, Life Images by Jill, about her travels and life in Western Australia. You’ll find some awesome photographs to tempt you to places too.

What do you like doing on a rainy day – wherever in the world you are?

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Comments

Nice post w beautiful photos to bring my memories back! I was there last March and was so impressed of the Margaret River Region! I hope I can come back soon and explore more! Great to meet you on Twitter Jo! 🙂

Fabulous ideas Jo. How about caving? There are fantastic caves in the Cape to Cape region of Western Australia. And I must say I love bush walking or standing on a wild beach in the wind in any weather! There are lots to choose from at the Capes – perhaps do a lighthouse tour.
Or, you could sit down a plan your summer holiday or winter getaway treat!
And thanks Jo for the link to my blog – I really appreciate the promo.

So what’s ZigaZag all about?

Hi, I'm Jo and I live in Western Australia. I write ZigaZag as a useful resource for anyone wanting to live or holiday in WA. I hope you'll find, 'A slice of West Australian life'. Pop over to my other blog Lifestyle Fifty for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and world travel.